Info - Is the V6 an Interference or Non-interference engine?

On the internet everywhere says that the V6 K8 24V DOHC MX3 1.8 engine is non-interference, but when I was getting my new MX3 checked out by a mate who owns a garage - he got out his Timing Belt Bible (can't remember the name of it) that contains instructions on how to fit every uk engine timing belt and it states that this engine is an interference engine. It also says that the Probe 2.5L V6 KL-DE engine is an interference engine too.

Is the book wrong or has the internet got it very wrong? Also, my mechanic mate didn't think many engines with more than 8 valves could be non-interference.

They are non interference motors! The timing belt snapped recently on my 2.5 klze and nothing broke! if you need help looking for info about the mx-3 don't forget to try the North American site… there is a wealth of information over there!!

I'm just confused as to why a pukka mechanic manual would say otherwise. I was chatting with a mate about this and we were wondering whether there were a cross-over of terminologies and meanings.

For example: On the net ppl (like yourself and many many other ppl) have had belts go on these engines and they are not fooked - hence non-interference… but - in a classis mechanical sense they may meet the criteria of an interference engine...

Seems the one in the picture dropped a valve, which could probably lead to a cam belt going, due to the strain onthe camshaft during the problem. Tell tale sign is that only one valve is knackered - if it was interference I would expect to see 24 bent valves.

Seems the one in the picture dropped a valve, which could probably lead to a cam belt going, due to the strain onthe camshaft during the problem. Tell tale sign is that only one valve is knackered - if it was interference I would expect to see 24 bent valves.

and I can confirm again… snapped my timing belt on my DD for the 2nd time since I've had the car. That motor now has over 200k miles on it :shock:

200k on 2 cam belts seems like a very long way. how long dod they last before they gave out. mine is due in less than 1000 miles according to the history but cant afford to get it done atm. i dont wanna push it too far. mazda recommends 60k

Lots of factors on belt life, oil leaks, water leaks, timing belt covers on/off, actual use of the car, climate and of course manufacturer. If mazda recommends 60k, they're going to err on the side of caution.

Indeed, even the ZE is non-interference. Even my ZE with the heads skimmed (more than I asked for) it's still non-interference. Maybe with some high comp 11.5:1 pistons and high lift cams collision could indeed be a problem. I think Leo323s ended up interference for those reasons.

Sorry, I just went back through my documents and the values didn't add up. The correct and accurate statement is my ZE has 127k that I put on it + whatever it came with (estimating between 35k-50k).

Timing belt was changed when I swapped the motor in at estimated 35-50k
Timing belt was changed when it snapped at 72k miles (I fail at maintenance) :oops:
Timing belt was changed when it snapped at 55k miles (life expectancy is 60k but I had done alot of racing on it)